Zephyr Hill

A Family Blog

Wee Baby Stella Doll: Review and Giveaway

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Right around the 18-month-old mark, Mary Kate was already trying to be a little mother. The only problem was, she would “steal” baby dolls from her three big sisters because she didn’t have one of her own! It caused a few scuffles and some hurt feelings, so I figured it was time to jump on it, and find the right toy to nurture and develop Mary Kate’s natural inclinations. While looking at options for younger children, I was introduced to Wee Baby Stella by the Manhattan Toy Company.

We received a complimentary Wee Baby Stella doll to review, plus one to give away to a lucky Zephyr Hill fan!

Wee Baby Stella is a soft and huggable companion for children ages 12 months and up. She measures about 11.5 inches long and comes with one complete outfit and a removable, magnetic pacifier.

There are lots of adorable variations to choose from:

Wee Baby Stella retails for $22 and meets and or exceeds EN71 and CPSIA safety regulations.

Perfect for little youngsters who are curious and “hands-on,” Stella is a tactile doll, with plush skin, a tuft of baby hair and a removable outfit and pacifier.

Her little bloomers go on and off like a cloth diaper, with velcro fasteners at the sides. Mary Kate is especially fascinated with her doll’s belly button right now. She points it out constantly, and then points to her own. 🙂

This September, Manhattan Toy Company rolled out a new online tool that allows you to customize the Wee Baby Stella doll. Choose the hair, skin color and premium outfit that you like best! Your customized Wee Baby Stella also includes a black-and-white onesie and matching magnetic pacifier. Retail price is $37 and you can pre-order NOW for shipment in November (in plenty of time for Christmas).

Wee Baby Stella’s hair has been another source of fascination for Mary Kate, so we’re really excited about the custom doll we ordered today that has a different hairdo.

It was fun to choose our next doll together. We decided on black hair this time, and a cozy set of “Charming Cherries” PJ’s.

With accessories and outfits for your Wee Baby Stella doll starting at just $10, it’s easy to build a nice little collection for your child. Make sure you sign up for the Manhattan Toy Company newsletter for discounts and sale information!

How about these ideas for using the new customization tool?

  • Create a doll that looks like your child
  • Create a doll that looks like a child you will be fostering/adopting to help young siblings visualize the new family member
  • Create a doll for someone else as a gift

Giveaway: How would you like to win a Wee Baby Stella doll, just like the one we reviewed? Enter the giveaway (open to USA residents) using the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Gerber’s New Organic Cotton Collection

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Launched in April at Buy Buy Baby stores and online, Gerber’s new 100% organic cotton collection is designed with comfort and style in mind, having fun with on-trend, delicate woodland animal and springtime bunny prints, and high-quality 3-D details. We received some samples from the Gerber Childrenswear organic cotton collection to share with you in a review.

The new line-up includes:

  • Bodysuits and Sleepers
  • Bibs and Burp Cloths
  • Newborn Gowns
  • Caps/Mitts
  • Booties
  • 3-Piece Take-Me-Home Outfits

Katie loves this collection on 3-month-old Evangeline! The designs are adorable and the material is super soft. The sizing runs on the bigger size, because Evangeline was 10 pounds at birth and at 3 months she often wears a size 6 months. But the Gerber 0-3 month sets fit her just fine.

The bottom cuffs on the striped bottoms fit very snug, and Katie wasn’t sure if she’d like it at first, but it keeps the pants from riding up, so it turned out to be a great feature.
Because the colors are complimentary, you can mix and match outfits for style and comfort. Katie sometimes uses the pink onesie underneath the long sleeve top, and then either of the bottoms compliments the outfit.
And as always with Gerber Childrenswear, you get the added bonus of quality and affordability. Katie reported that both outfits are washing and wearing well without any signs of fading or shrinking. Even better, the 3-piece clothing sets start at just $12.99.

 
Click here to shop the organic cotton collection at Buy Buy Baby!

 

H3idihoDesigns Teething Jewelry Review

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My collaboration with H3idiho Designs began several years ago, when I was first introduced to Heidi’s handmade, natural jewelry and teethers. Recently, she revamped and re-stocked her shop, and invited me to help her spread the word. We also received some complimentary items to review and share with you.

If I could use three words to describe this brand they would be: simple, beautiful and affordable. Heidi makes it easy and fun for families to enjoy natural jewelry and toys, and most of her designs are under $10.00. The natural wood teething necklace below features a little bird pendent on an organic cotton cord. If your child wants to hold it or teeth on it while you’re wearing, no problem. The smooth, unfinished wood isn’t treated with any chemicals or waxes. Choose from an assortment of pendants and cord colors; it coordinates with many different looks.

If you’re into minerals, there’s an eclectic selection of smooth polished stones on organic cord. Featured here are sparkly blue goldstone and heart-shaped jasper. As with the wooden necklace pendant featured above, both of these necklaces can safely go into a curious baby’s mouth while you’re holding or nursing him/her. The materials are safe, non-toxic and highly durable.

Here’s something new to me! The essential oil lava bead necklaces are textured and pitted, so you can rub a few drops of essential oil on them and enjoy a little bit of aromatherapy all day long (mine included lavender and sweet orange). You can also wear the beautiful lava bead necklace as is, without essential oils added. This is what I would recommend if you have a child who’s likely going to be biting or chewing it.

There are also colorful toys and teethers in Heidi’s shop. The set that Ingrid is playing with below is customizable.

The colorful buttons are sized just right for small hands, and Ingrid keeps her little toy secure in an included drawstring cloth bag.

Most everything in Heidi’s shop is customizable, in terms of colors and closures.

 

 

 

Design the Perfect Invitations for Your Child’s Party

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Thanks to Basicinvite.com for sponsoring this review!

One year ago, we welcomed Mary Kate into the world at our first home birth. This Sunday, we celebrated her first birthday with a brunch, and our friends at Basic Invite provided complimentary custom invitations to the party!

All of our guests complimented us on the cute invitations they received in the mail. What they didn’t know is just how easy it was to create them!

 

Mothers are busy people, so we appreciate shortcuts and time savers. That what makes Basicinvite.com ideal for creating invitations and announcements. Starting with a simple template, you can choose colors, text and photos in a matter of minutes. And the envelopes are peel and seal, saving you even more time.

 

The online editor is simple, uncluttered and easy to use. Nearly every part of each template is customizable, including text, colors and paper type.

Cards are designed in real time, so what you see is what you get. Basicinvite.com even offers samples by mail, so you can touch and see the products before buying.

Cards are designed in real time, so what you see is what you get. Basic Invite even offers samples by mail, so you can touch and see exactly what you’re buying.

Whether you need to create custom invitations for a wedding, birthday party or baby shower, I highly recommend Basic Invite! Here again are the features that set them apart:

  • The color options are incredible, with over 180 different hues to choose from. You can customize your cards down to the tiniest detail.
  • You can order a printed sample of your card before ordering to make sure it’s exactly the way you want.
  • The address capturing service makes it easy to share a link on social media and request the addresses of friends and family members. They will be automatically stored in your customer account! Even better, Basic Invite offers FREE printing of addresses on all Christmas card orders.
  • There are more than 40 options for envelopes include colors, printed patterns, and gold, silver and rose foil.

You can also order package deals that contain both invitations and thank-you notes. Look at these beautiful girls’ birthday invitations!

Do you have a little boy who loves to build and create? Check out these fun toddler party invitations:

 

Right now Basic Invite is offering 15% off
with coupon code: 15FF51

Here’s how you can follow Basicinvite.com on social media:

Facebook
Pinterest
Instagram
Twitter

 

Why Music Makes an Amazing Gift + a Guitar Giveaway

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Thank you Fender for sponsoring this post. Learn guitar at home with Fender Play!

If you’ve found that as your children get older, gift-giving is trickier, then you’re not alone. Years ago, Joseph spent hours enjoying his toy cars, coloring books and blocks. But at age 14, he’s entered a completely different stage in his life; he needs bigger challenges and broader horizons.

Several months ago, Joseph started taking advantage of online guitar lessons with Fender play. He learns at his own pace, squeezing in video lessons between school and basketball and yard work for family and friends.

I was given the gift of piano lessons as a child; now I’m watching as my own child reaps the benefits of music lessons.

Here are three reasons you should consider giving music as a gift:

It keeps on giving: Learning an instrument opens all kinds of musical doors. Whether that’s deciding to pick up a second instrument (or a third, or a fourth) or joining a band, planting a musical seed will blossom in ways you can’t even imagine.

It builds more than just musical skills: Studies show that our learning goes beyond plucking strings and reading sheet music. It boosts confidence, encourages discipline and teaches us new and creative ways to connect with other people.

It makes us happy: Meaningful experiences in life, and not our material possessions, bring real happiness. Once you learn to play and sing, music is a way to spread joy! At my house, we often get together for “music nights.” It could be karaoke, piano, guitar, or maybe even a visit from our parish priest who plays the concertina. The best things in life truly are FREE.

Why choose Fender Play? Fender Play is guitar-learning platform that allows you to take guitar lessons from virtually anywhere. Learn from experienced teachers in short 10-12 minute videos. It’s completely flexible and fits your schedule. Having no prior experience is NO problem. Fender’s “Hear It, Learn It, Play It” methodology is a structured, low-pressure approach that breaks down songs into easy-to-learn chunks.

And since Fender knows that your gift recipient will be eager to play right away, their “song first” approach will really be appreciated.

Speaking of songs, guitar players get to choose their own path (country, rock, folk, blues, etc.) to further customize the online learning experience.

You can start a FREE 30-Day Trial now at play.fender.com. (Their 50% Black Friday sale has been extended!)

Giveaway: My readers can enter to win a guitar starter pack, courtesy of the wonderful folks at Fender. There will be 15 winners! The Squier® Strat® Pack has everything you need to begin and includes a 24″ Stratocaster guitar and a Frontman® 10G amplifier. Strap, cable and picks are also in the box, so really can get started right away! Retail value of this prize is $199.99. This giveaway is open to US residents only. Winners will be randomly selected and notified by December 12, 2017.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Use the entry form below. Good luck!

 

 

 

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.